Punch and cake were in order this afternoon, when VHFA recognized Lender Accounting Coordinator Sue Joachim for her 25 years with the Agency.

Sue joined VHFA when the Finance Department was a mere three people. (It's seven now.) Computers were non-existent at the Agency. Instead, upon her arrival, she was issued an adding machine, #2 pencil and a paper ledger.

Oh, how times have changed ...

The Center for Rural Studies (CRS) at the University of Vermont is conducting a series of focus groups to improve the Vermont Housing Data Web site.

These 30-minute sessions will help determine how the site is being used, how it impacts/benefits users, and how it could be improved. Each session will include group discussion as well as hands-on navigation of the site.

Participants receive a $40 gift card, and will be entered in a raffle to win a 4GB iPod nano.

VHFA's Socially Responsible Committee kicked off its Community Awareness Program (CAP) this afternoon, with a lunch-time presentation on energy efficiency by Tim Perrin of Efficiency Vermont.

Tim shared tips on how to make homes more energy efficient, save money and help the environment.

The Socially Responsible Committee is group of VHFA staff members helping assure the Agency conducts its business in a socially responsible manner. The CAP is a voluntary program that encourages VHFA staff members to gather on designated lunch hours to hear from a variety of presenters speaking on issues pertinent to our community.

This is the latest of several quick bios we'll blog of speakers scheduled to appear at the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference, Nov. 18 in South Burlington.

Read about other speakers scheduled to present at the event and register to attend at the conference Web site.

Joss Besse is Director of the Division of Community Planning and Revitalization at the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Affairs.